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pandayanyan (Offline)
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09-14-2007, 12:43 AM

Before it was mentioned that you get paid per kanji/word. Does this mean that you know what you will make prior to taking on a project?
How does your work get sent to you if you work form home? Does it come in a package of what they have in kanji/hiragana/katakana and then you have to localize it for the american market? Or do you get a text file you read and translate to the closest matching words in english?
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09-14-2007, 12:58 AM

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Originally Posted by pandayanyan View Post
Before it was mentioned that you get paid per kanji/word. Does this mean that you know what you will make prior to taking on a project?
How does your work get sent to you if you work form home? Does it come in a package of what they have in kanji/hiragana/katakana and then you have to localize it for the american market? Or do you get a text file you read and translate to the closest matching words in english?
Right, generally I know what I will make before starting a project.

That's for "soft" projects, that are emailed to me. That's when it is easy to count kanji, and I am paid per character.

If it is a "hard" project, the client will mail it to me. After I am done I will email them the files.
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09-14-2007, 12:59 AM

Oh ok that is simpler than i imagined it. Thank you for all your help! I will post more questions as I thnk of them.
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09-14-2007, 05:25 AM

I appreciate the input



thnx boboloko for the sig!
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09-14-2007, 06:49 AM

Does translation include localizing the content or just translating the words?
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09-14-2007, 07:08 AM

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Originally Posted by pandayanyan View Post
Does translation include localizing the content or just translating the words?
It really depends.

Technically, "Translating" basically means translating the words for a world market. A manual, say, translated into English could used by any English speaker around the world (in theory).

"Localizing" is translating for a specific "local" market, and the words used are unique to that market.

I am friends with the head translator at Nintendo USA, but his actual job title is "Head of Localization" or something like that, because he only translates for the USA market. Apparently there is a different translator for the UK. Maybe they have multiple one in the UK, I don't know.

So for example, I was part of a team that translated a Tokyo goverment website into English. The intended users are English-speakers living in Tokyo, so that would be a "translation" that should not be "American English" specific. Naturally, I spelled words how we do in the US, but I wouldn't use terms or phrases that were uniquely American.

The one publisher I do most of my work for mostly distributes only in the US. They like to keep the "Japan-isms" in the translations, like "chan" "san" and those types of words, especially for Japan-based (non-fantasy or sci-fi) titles.

Another company I have done some work for wants the work devoid of any "Japan-isms" and encourages any American type terminology. (For that specific title, it wasn't set in Japan, but a fantasy country).

So, for example, the first company keeps the metric system in the translations, where the second one would convert it to inches, feet and pounds.

That's a long answer to maybe not the question you asked.
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09-14-2007, 07:12 AM

No that is exactly what I was wondering. Thank you yet again.
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09-20-2007, 01:27 AM

Which do you think gets better pay? A translator or an interpreter? Or does it depend on your clientel?
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Question for MMM - 09-25-2007, 05:55 AM

After 5 years in Asia my writing isn't what is used to be, grammar has slipped a bit.  Any writing guides you'd recommend for a translator?  Something with essential grammar points, writing tips, etc.?  Got a copy of Strunk and White's "Elements of Style," oldy but a goody, and was wondering what else is out there.  Suggestions?
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Interpreter vs. Translator - 09-29-2007, 01:44 AM

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Originally Posted by pandayanyan View Post
Which do you think gets better pay? A translator or an interpreter? Or does it depend on your clientel?
In my own experience, the interpreter makes more on a daily basis. You'll probably see something in the ballpark between $500 to $800/day plus expenses depending.

I think I read somewhere that interpreters at the U.N. make between $80k to $100k, which ain't bad, but New York is pricey.

A translator might make $300 to $500 in a day. Sometimes more/ less, but that's ballpark.

The big caveat here is that a freelancer doesn't necessarily have work every day...

The other issue is that, again in my own experience, interpreting is very stressful. Whether consecutive or simultaneous, it's a brain-frier. At least for me it is.

By contrast, translating is usually more laid back. You can take breaks. Set your own hours to a certain extent.

You're also correct in saying that clientele matters. I have one client that pays me quite a bit more than the usual fee for a few hours of work, but the work has to be turned around quickly while maintaining professional standards.

HTH.
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